Matt Barkley’s pro day went about as expected. He completed 56 of 62 passes (including two drops), but those numbers don’t tell much about how his throwing session actually went.

Evaluators in attendance Wednesday at USC spoke highly of his mechanics, ball placement and better-than-expected velocity, though he seemed to struggle a bit with vertical throws and with tight NFL window-like throws.

Matt Barkley threw well in his pro day, but some of his limitations were exposed. (AP Photo)

Scouts were curious about his recovery from the right shoulder sprain he suffered toward the end of his senior season, and he seemed to answer those questions.

Barkley does not have a big arm or great mobility. He doesn’t have elite speed—he ran a 4.93 40 on Wednesday—to make plays outside the pocket. His accuracy in the 15- to 20-yard range isn’t perfect, sometimes due to rushed throws while others are just poorly placed.

But he’s exactly what NFL teams are seeking from a mental aspect. He has loads of experience changing protections and route combinations based on presnap reads.

Barkley’s limitations can be overcome by giving him ample protection, a West Coast-based type of offense and the ability to use his tremendous football IQ.